Health Info

Chorionic Villi Sampling

Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) is a procedure performed in the first trimester of pregnancy to detect to detect birth defects. Samples are taken from parts of the placenta called the chorionic
villi, which have the same genes as the fetus. CVS
can detect most of the same defects as
amniocentesis, but it
cannot detect open neural tube defects. If you have CVS, you will
want to consider having a blood
alpha-fetoprotein
(AFP)
test
later in your pregnancy to test for neural tube
defects.

Here is some information about the test and the risks involved.

Who Should Have CVS?

Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of the test with you based on your pregnancy. This test is only useful if the results will change the management of your pregnancy or change your desire to continue the pregnancy. If you are at higher risk for having a baby with birth defects, you may wish to have this test. Examples of things that may put you at higher risk are:

Age 35 years old or older when you give birth

Family history of certain birth defects

Previous child with a birth defect

Abnormal results on other genetic screening tests

Understanding the Procedure

CVS is usually done about 10-12 weeks from a woman's last menstrual period and once the presence of a living pregnancy has been established. The procedure is performed in the doctor's office or hospital. Cells can be collected from the placenta in 2 ways—through the abdomen or through the vagina. If you have any bleeding during pregnancy, problems with your cervix, or a sexually transmitted disease, you may be offered CVS through the abdomen as the preferred route.

Your doctor will do an
ultrasound exam
to determine the baby's age and the position of the placenta. This will also help determine whether cells are collected through the abdomen or through the vagina. If collecting cells through the abdomen, a needle will be inserted through your abdomen, into your uterus, and into your placenta under local anesthesia. A sample of chorionic villi will be collected. If collecting cells through the vagina, a speculum will be inserted. A thin tube will be inserted into your vagina and up through your cervix. An ultrasound will be used to guide the tube to your placenta and a small sample of chorionic villi will be removed and sent to a lab. Results may take up to 2 weeks.

Risks of Having CVS

There is a risk of infection with CVS. Because the procedure is done
earlier than amniocentesis, there is a slightly higher risk of
miscarriage. You may also experience cramping or bleeding.

Most women do not need this test with every pregnancy. If you feel you fall into one of the categories listed above, or you have other concerns about prenatal testing, talk to your doctor.

RESOURCES

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.